Factors influencing the physical activity of older adults in long-term care: administrators perspectives

J Aging Phys Act. 2009 Apr;17(2):181-95. doi: 10.1123/japa.17.2.181.

Abstract

In 2006, the authors conducted a multisite qualitative study in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to examine organizational and environmental factors that influence physical activity for long-term-care (LTC) residents. The article describes the results of interviews with 9 administrators from nonprofit and for-profit LTC facilities. A content analysis revealed that despite having positive views about the value of physical activity, the administrators encountered challenges related to funding, human resources, and the built (physical) environment. The intersection of staffing issues and challenges in the built environment created less than optimal conditions for physical activity programs. Findings suggest that until there are adequate human and financial resources, it will be difficult to implement evidence-informed physical activity programs for residents in LTC settings in Ontario. A review of provincial LTC standards for physical activity program requirements and the built environment is warranted.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Environment Design
  • Exercise / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Homes for the Aged / economics
  • Homes for the Aged / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Long-Term Care / economics
  • Long-Term Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Nursing Homes / economics
  • Nursing Homes / statistics & numerical data*
  • Ontario
  • Organizations, Nonprofit
  • Qualitative Research